To my ears, two releases stand out over all the others I’ve heard:  The 1983 MFSL LP, and the excellent stereo CD remix by Larry Walsh.  While the MFSL is all about warmth, the Walsh has more of a clarion sound to it, with a wide stereo spread and a crisp, quite-dry vocal sound.  Both are excellent in their own unique ways.

Close runner ups:  I’m quite fond of the 1984 Dell LP, then right below that I’d probably choose the 1998 UK boxed set CD and the SM-series 1970s USA pressing.  Neither of the rainbow stereo pressings sampled -- both “good” D pressings -- impressed me, especially where vocal tone was concerned.  (Clips from each can be heard on the “stereo” link at the top of the page.)

What about the mono version?  What can I say?  I’m not a fan!  Yes, it has more detail because it uses more mics, so the marimbas and mandolins are easier to hear, but it also has a nearly non-existent top end, mediocre tone, plus it puts Frank squarely in an echo-laden sonic swamp every time he sings.  (Listen again to the comparison clip on the bottom of the previous page.)  It may be an interesting variant, but it’s not something I want to play on a regular basis.  But, but, but -- I know.....the stereo version is technically defective and has that crunchy sound on some tracks because of a bad mic pre-amp on the stereo mixing console.  Yes.  Yes, it does.  The stereo version also has full-range high fidelity sound, with full bass and smooth, clear, life-like treble, and it has a vocal (and this is a vocal album) that was not recorded in Arvo Pärt Cathedral.

“Do you have Prince

Albert in a can?”

Lest you think I’m crazy, above you can hear a few clips that go back and forth between the mono vocal and the stereo vocal.  Try to ignore the orchestra, and just listen to Frank.  Please play “click the can” (click on Prince Albert, above) to listen to clips that go in this order:

1. 1.MFSL stereo LP - Mid-channel only (to avoid phase issues and present the VOCAL track unaltered and out front)
   

2. 2.December, 1957 acetate “proof” mono pressing
   

3. 3.MFSL stereo (mid only)
   

4. 4.2009 Capitol mono pressing
   

5. 5.MFSL stereo (mid only)
   

6. 6.2009 Capitol mono pressing
   

7. 7.MFSL.....
   

8. 8.Capitol mono.....
   

To summarize:  The mono recording has a production-team-sanctioned pair of  shortcomings (bad tone and too much reverb) on all 12 cuts.  The stereo recording has a technical defect on a few cuts.  In terms of vocal tone, I just don’t see how the mono even has a horse in this race.  Stereo wins for me personally, but I know many people feel just the opposite, and I totally respect their views.

Click on the photo at right to hear a brief clip.

Clearly, this format was not aimed at the home-audio market, as it has almost no bass and sounds thin overall, at least to my ears.  Still, a neat novelty to have in one’s Sinatra collection.  Thanks for sharing with us, Steve!

Let’s finish by once again comparing our two winners.

We’ll start with the MFSL stereo LP, and transition into the Larry Walsh CD.  Click CFWMWinnersBrazilMFSL-Walsh.wav.

I know, I know.....

“MORE MARIMBA!”

(That’s why we have the mono version!)